Lea County has new trash ordinance

LOVINGTON, N.M. {AP} The Lea County Commission has passed an ordinance that makes trash pickup mandatory for people living outside city limits starting next spring.

Commissioners said the measure was passed because nearly 45 percent of county residents don't have their trash removed by a private contractor. Under the ordinance, the county will accept bids from contractors to provide the service.

Larry Wilcox, a local resident, protested the cost, arguing that he recycles his own trash by burning, recycling and hauling it to landfills when necessary.